Goodell Addresses Shanahan's Australia Game Concerns

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed concerns from San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan about the team's 2026 season-opening game in Melbourne, Australia, emphasizing the league's commitment to global expansion while acknowledging the challenges of international travel. The game, set for September 10 in Australia, which corresponds to September 11 in the United States, will pit the 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Shanahan voiced his reservations during the NFL's annual owners meetings in March, highlighting the logistical hurdles of a 19- to 20-hour flight and multiple time zones just days before the regular season begins. "I don't see any pro," Shanahan told reporters. "It's cool for the league to play globally. I think that's awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there's not much benefit to it. Sometimes it's nice to get a bye week after, but it doesn't happen in Week 1." His comments underscored the potential impact on player preparation and performance at the start of the season, when teams typically acclimate gradually without the added strain of jet lag.

Goodell responded during a press conference in Melbourne on...